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Cucumber is 96 per cent water yet still provides an astonishing array of beauty benefits.

The dark green skin is one of the richest food sources of silica, a mineral that plays an important role in maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. So whatever you do, don't peel cucumber before eating it.

Cucumber has also been used since Roman times as an ingredient in skincare and can do everything from banishing under-eye puffiness to soothing blemishes.

TRY IT: For a refreshing bath, add a handful of Dead Sea salts, one sliced cucumber and a few drops of diluted essential oil to warm water.

Make the oil by mixing five drops of your favourite essential oils with 1tbsp carrier oil. One drop rose, two drops lemon and two drops vanilla essential oils in 1tbsp almond oil is a lovely combination.

TOMATOES

Packed with antioxidants, tomatoes can help protect skin against sun damage. They are a great source of lycopene, which can help reverse the adverse ageing effects of UV rays.

Cooked tomatoes are a far richer source of lycopene than raw so make a pot of tomato soup or add passata to stews and casseroles.

Or try this easy tomato sauce. Fill a baking tray with halved tomatoes, add garlic and dried herbs, drizzle with olive oil and bake at a low to medium heat for 30 minutes. Blend to make a smooth puree and serve with pasta.

These delicious nuts contain high levels of beneficial monounsaturated fats as well as a range of B vitamins and protein, making them a nutritious and filling snack.

However they have the additional benefit of being anti-inflammatory, meaning they can help alleviate skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.

Macadamia nut oil is often used in shampoo and conditioner for dry or damaged hair but you can also apply it neat to skin, hair and nails. It mimics the skin's natural oils, sinking in immediately and nourishing dry areas.

TRY IT: You can use a little oil as a make-up remover to cleanse skin and gently melt away mascara. As an additional benefit, it acts like a serum sinking in and nourishing the delicate skin around the eyes.

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While macadamia nut oil can be dissuading, they are great for skin

DARK CHOCOLATE

Cocoa solids contain more antioxidants than almost any other food. They are also a good source of minerals including calcium, copper, and zinc, which are all essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.

It's often claimed that chocolate is bad for the skin and causes spots but there is no real evidence that this is the case.

In fact, dark chocolate that contains at least 72 per cent cocoa solids could improve blemished skin because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. White and milk chocolate do not have the same benefits unfortunately.

TRY IT: Improve the texture and tone of your skin with this exfoliating mask.